A groundbreaking event today signalled the beginning of construction at Kipling Acres, one of the City of Toronto’s 10 long-term care homes. The existing site is now being redeveloped with capital funding from the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario.

This first redevelopment phase will include a new 192-bed long-term care home. The design of the new home has been undertaken with extensive community input to best meet the needs of residents and the northern Etobicoke community. Kipling Acres has been part of this community since 1959.

"This is a great day for the current and future residents of Kipling Acres and the surrounding community," said Councillor Doug Ford (Ward 2 Etobicoke North). "North Etobicoke has always treasured our seniors and those that care for them."

Part of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's long-term care home renewal strategy, the new home is being built to meet the ministry's design standards. These standards give greater flexibility to create environments that make it possible to respond positively and appropriately to the diverse physical, psychological, social and cultural needs of all long-term care home residents.

The redevelopment will provide greater wheelchair access for residents in private and public spaces and will include more open outdoor spaces that can be used by all ages.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.